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Verdict and competition

Verdict

The Sony Xperia XA1 Ultra has a lot going for it. The screen is bold, bright and power-efficient and the chipset keeps everything chugging along nicely, with nary a performance glitch in sight.

And though it doesn't push the boat out in terms of design, it is certainly well put together, feeling worth every penny and then some.

The battery life too is a treat, despite the size of the power pack included. The Sony Xperia XA1 Ultra is good for a day to a day and a half of moderate use, and the standby time is excellent, losing only a couple of percentage points when unplugged during the evening.

Not everything is great however. Though the camera is solid, in certain situations, like in poorly-lit areas, it has a tendency to turn images into a soupy mess. The speaker too is slightly lacking in both volume and bass, which hurts media credentials somewhat.

There are also the bezels, which will be majorly off-putting to some, for they help this reach the echelons of the biggest of big phones.

Who's this for?

The Sony Xperia XA1 Ultra is a device that is simple in design, concept and execution – it is a big smartphone for people who want a big smartphone. This an unapologetic, large device and will not fit in the lives of those with smaller hands.

Should you buy it?

If you are after a big phone, there are few better options at the price point now that it has taken a tumble, with the Xperia XA1 Ultra currently retailing for around $320/£250/AU$440. The screen is lovely, the battery life is reliable and the camera is capable of capturing solid images.

It's not perfect, but the phone is big, boxy, bold and - for a certain buyer - all the better for it.

Since its release the Xperia XA1 Ultra has picked up some strong competition, such as the following handsets.

OnePlus 5T

Although a chunk more than the Xperia XA1 Ultra, the OnePlus 5T is still decent value and offers a similarly sized screen, with a trendier aspect ratio and a truckload of extra power.

OnePlus has a habit of releasing a new phone every six months, and so it is yet to be seen what long-term software support will be like – but for those who are willing to spend a little more, this is a lot more phone on offer than the Sony.

Read our full OnePlus 5T review

Xiaomi Mi A1

Xiaomi is a name unfamiliar to many in the west, but its first Android One device, the Mi A1, may well put it on the map. Retailing for around £200/$250/AU$300, it offers a 5.5-inch 1080p screen, a Snapdragon 625 chipset and a nifty dual camera arrangement on its rear.

As is always the case when buying what is technically a grey-import, don't expect any long-term technical support if issues arise. Those looking for a little extra security would be best with the Xperia XA1 Ultra.

Read our full Xiaomi Mi A1 review

Honor 7X

This new addition to Honor's impressive roster features a similarly sized screen to the Sony, an 18:9 aspect ratio, a large battery and a very similar price point. It also offers a posh dual-camera arrangement and a snazzy metal coat.

But the Honor 7X runs the divisive EMUI skin over stock Android, which may dissuade some. This is a very strong competitor which outdoes the Sony in both looks and 'newness', although it does lack NFC.